by Robin Mahle
Inside, she expected to see a receptionist, but there was none. In fact, the lobby looked more like a living room than a doctor’s office. Two doors at the back that presumably led to Dr. Reyes’ office were marked “entrance” and another marked “exit.” There was even a television mounted on a wall broadcasting a news channel. Her nerves began to calm in the homey environment, and she assumed that was the intention of the design. A moment later, Dr. Reyes opened the door labeled “entrance.”
“Hi, Katie, come on in.” Her pleasant tone further relieved Katie’s tension.
“Take a seat.” Dr. Reyes motioned to the small two-seater couch that was kitty-corner to a chair where she took her seat.
Hands still slightly clammy, she avoided greeting the doctor with a handshake. Instead, she nodded and sat down on the couch, eagerly anticipating the first question.
“So Katie, you mentioned you’ve been having difficulty sleeping through the night.”
There it was, the first question. “Yeah, I guess. This dream I keep having has been disrupting my sleep. Not every night, but enough so that it’s starting to annoy me a little. Not to mention my fiancé.” That was a slight understatement.
“I see. So you’re engaged?”
Katie smiled. “Yes, recently, just this week as a matter of fact.”
“Oh, congratulations. And you’ve been with him for a while?”
“Yes, about seven years. We met in college and moved in together after graduation. He has actually just passed the bar exam.”
“Sounds like life is going well for you, except for the occasional sleepless night. Have you been overly stressed at work?”
“No, not really. No more than usual, I’d say. This has been going on for more than a few months now. I guess it’s been about three, actually.” Katie watched as Dr. Reyes took notes. She tried to peer over the edge of the notepad to catch a glimpse at what she’d written, but couldn’t quite see.
“Anything happen around that time you think might have brought about these dreams? Any work issues or home issues you were worried about?”
Katie focused on what had been going on three months ago, but couldn’t think of anything that would cause so much stress as to bring on the dreams. “Not really. I mean, my friend asked me to be her maid of honor, and I suppose that could have added some pressure. Although, I didn’t really feel like it had.”
“And you’re close with this friend?” Dr. Reyes asked.
“She’s my best friend. We grew up together and went off to college together. She moved back home—well, near home—after that.”
“So you don’t think her getting married caused any stress for you? Especially since she asked you to be her maid of honor?”
“I hadn’t really thought of it that way, I guess. I thought of it more as a privilege, not an obligation.” Katie was trying to figure out where the doctor was going with this line of questioning. She knew none of this had anything to do with Sam. “Dr. Reyes. I have to say that I don’t think I can attribute one particular event as to why I’m having these dreams. I’m so frustrated and confused that I don’t know where to turn. I just don’t want to experience this any longer. It’s become so real and vivid that sometimes I’m afraid to even fall asleep.”
“Okay then, let’s talk about this dream. Can you tell me what it’s about?”
Katie went on to describe the nightmarish dream and its frequent occurrence. When she was finished, Dr. Reyes started writing more notes. The room was silent, save for the second hand on a clock, ticking away the very expensive hour she was allotted. She began to wonder if any of this was worth it. Just give me some sleeping pills.
A moment later, Dr. Reyes looked away from her notepad. “Katie, you inquired on the phone about hypnotherapy.”
Was this a question or a statement? She wasn’t sure, but took a stab at an answer anyway. “Yes. I asked about hypnosis for relaxation.”
“I have used hypnotherapy in the past, on occasion. But the majority of treatments were for smokers and people who had certain fears, like flying, for instance. They were successful, and I think maybe, based on what you’ve told me today, that a similar treatment might work for you. Now, I can just prescribe you some sleeping pills.”
Had she read Katie’s mind?
“And maybe over time, whatever is preventing you from a good night’s rest will pass. Or we can try a relaxation technique. My hope is that we will be able to free your mind of whatever stressful thoughts might be bringing out the recurring dream.
“Just know that sometimes our bodies are trying to tell us something. Whether we are uncomfortable in a situation at work or at home or whatever it might be. Our subconscious mind can create strange and unusual images based on a conglomerate of ideas and emotions.”
“I’d like to try the hypnosis, Dr. Reyes. Whatever this is, I want to get to the bottom of it so that I can focus on my future.” This seemed a better way to go than the pills and she hoped it would be the right decision.
“Okay then. Let’s get you in here again, say next week, at the same time, if that works and we’ll get started.”
Katie stood up and felt confident this course of treatment would be the solution. “Thank you, Dr. Reyes. You’ve been very helpful. I’ll see you next week.”
“Good night, Katie.”
The fundraiser Katie had been organizing for the past few weeks had finally arrived. The “Hope for Children” charity event sponsored by the foundation was the last one of the season. Katie enjoyed her work raising funds, but was ready to get back to researching cases and working with the attorneys. They gave her purpose, although, without funds, there would be no cases on which to assist.
Only days after her initial visit with Dr. Reyes, and tonight Katie was beginning to feel confident this would all blow over very soon.
Spencer led her into the ballroom. The theme was primary colors and the room was filled with hand-drawn pictures that children from all over the country made for the event.
“This is the last one for a while, Spencer, so you’d better enjoy the open bar.”
“Yes, ma’am; I’ll be back with a red wine for the lady.”
Katie spotted her boss, Richard, and headed toward him. She admired him very much and appreciated the opportunities he had given her. “Hi, Richard, you look very handsome.”
“Well, thank you, Katie. That’s a lovely gown you’re wearing. And where is your handsome—fiancé, now, I hear?”
“You are not misinformed. We are engaged. He asked me a couple of weeks ago after he passed the bar.”
“That is wonderful news. So he’s officially an attorney now. Has he received any offers yet? You know, I could put in a good word for him with Mr. Johnston. I hear they’re looking for fresh talent.”
“That would be fantastic, Richard, thanks for the offer. Although, he is still hoping for a position with the firm that he’s at now. He’s been there on a two year internship.”
“Well, they’d be fools not to hire him. You let me know if you’d like me to make that call, Katie. I mean it.”
Spencer approached the two of them with drinks in hand. “Good evening, Richard, how are you?”
“Doing well, Spencer, thank you. I hear you’ve passed the bar and asked our lovely Ms. Reid to marry you?”
“I did and fortunately for me, she said ‘yes.’”
“Congratulations. Well, I’d better make the rounds. We don’t want our supporters feeling neglected. You both have a wonderful night if I don’t see you before you go.”
Katie took the glass of wine from Spencer. “Thanks, honey. Richard said he’d put in a good word for you with one of the partners from the firm we use if you don’t get an offer from Schwartz.”
“Wow, that’s generous of him. Hopefully, I’ll know by next week. I waited almost five months for my exam results and now I’ve got to wait for a job offer. Can’t I just practice law?”
“I know it’s frustrating. It’ll work out, I pro
mise.” Katie leaned in for a quick kiss.
“Your appointment is Thursday, right? Did you want me to take you? Will you be able to drive?”
Katie glanced around to be sure no one overheard their conversation. No one at work knew about it nor did she want them to. “We can talk about it later, too many ears around here. Let’s just eat dinner then try to bug out of here, okay?”
“Sure, but I thought you liked these things?”
“I do, but I guess I’m just not really in the mood for it tonight.” Katie surveyed the room in search of their table when a glint of light caught her eye. A woman whom she did not know stood near the bar and it came from her. The woman turned slightly and there it was again, a reflection off one of the chandeliers. It appeared, at that distance, to be bouncing off the pendant necklace that rested low on her chest. Delicate, but with a design in which light seemed to dance around it. Katie thought it strange that something so ordinary had captured her attention. She glanced down at Spencer, who had taken a seat and was trying to get her to do the same. Dinner was being served.
It wasn’t until Thursday arrived that Katie realized how quickly time had flown by now that she was busy planning her own wedding.
She hadn’t been troubled by the dream for the past few days and felt well rested. She wondered if maybe this phase was passing and thought about canceling her appointment with Dr. Reyes. But what harm could it do? It was intended to relieve her mind of stress. Who couldn’t use that?
“Hey, honey.” The call connected from the car as Katie was pulling out of the parking lot of her office. “I just wanted to let you know that I’m leaving for the doctor. Why don’t I give you a call when it’s over so you know I’m all right?”
Spencer was silent on the other end for a moment. “Are you sure? Because I don’t mind going with you. I’d really like to be there for you.”
“I know you would. But honestly, it’ll be fine. I’ll call you on my way home. Love you.”
On arrival at the doctor’s office, her nerves were much calmer this time around, since she felt more prepared for the session. Katie waited in the lobby, or living room, depending upon how one viewed it, of the office for Dr. Reyes. The “exit” door slowly opened and a gentleman, probably in his sixties, quietly walked out. He gave a quick nod as he stepped out of the main door. Dr. Reyes soon peeked out.
“Katie, are you ready?”
Walking into the office, she felt unafraid and uninhibited. She read somewhere that hypnotherapy was most effective on patients who didn’t have any preconceived reservations about the process. She supposed an open mind was a better recipient to suggestions.
“Why don’t you go ahead and lie down, Katie. You’ll feel a little more relaxed.” Dr. Reyes took the seat across from her.
“First, I’d just like to explain what we’re going to do. I’ll start by counting backwards from ten and when I get to one, you’ll be completely relaxed. From there, I’ll be making some suggestions to assist with further relaxation. After the treatment is complete, I’ll count back to ten and you’ll feel refreshed and relaxed, okay? Any questions?”
Katie shook her head.
“Let’s get started. Go ahead and close your eyes. Now I’m going to count backwards from ten. I want you to think about a place that makes you feel happy and peaceful.”
Dr. Reyes began her countdown. Katie could hear the numbers with clarity, but with each one, the doctor’s voice seemed to grow distant until she reached the number one. Katie felt like that moment just before falling asleep, like her body was sinking into her bed. Images of the beach filled her mind. It was her favorite place.
“Where are you, Katie?” Dr. Reyes asked.
“At the beach.”
“Are you comfortable?”
“Yes. It’s warm and sunny and I’m on my favorite towel.”
“Sounds wonderful. Now, I want you to take a deep breath and exhale.”
The sound of Dr. Reyes’ voice seemed to become even more distant. Katie felt the warmth of the sun penetrate her skin as it began to tingle. Her mind opened to the doctor’s suggestions and her body sank deeper and deeper. Soon, Dr. Reyes’ voice became muffled and barely audible, as if her words were fading to a whisper until finally they were gone.
Katie searched for the doctor on the beach, but could only see wave after wave breaking against the shore. Time seemed nonexistent, but it felt as though only moments passed when the towel beneath her dissolved into the sand and then the sand turned to mud. Everything around her was transforming and imbued Katie with that familiar sense of terror once again. Massive trees erupted from the water and the ocean vanished, replaced by a dense forest. Her own body morphed as her limbs were no longer her own, but appeared like those of a young child.
Behind her in the distance came a horrific, quaking mass lumbering toward her. No, not again. The events happening around her felt very real, more real than even the most terrifying dream she had experienced so far. She ran as quickly as she could through the forest, away from the giant and screamed for help, but no help was coming. A loud clap sounded in her right ear. Muffled sounds soon became clear again. It was Dr. Reyes telling her to wake up.
Her eyes opened and she quickly scanned the room. She had to be sure it was gone.
“You’re safe, Katie,” Dr. Reyes said.
She rose from the couch and began to cry. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. You were there, and we were talking, and then you were—gone. I think we may be dealing with something a little deeper here.”
Katie was still visibly shaken when Spencer arrived home. She had been sitting in the dark with only the television casting a dim glow in the apartment when he flipped on the lights. She squinted at the sudden brightness.
“Katie, are you all right?” He moved to the sofa and sat down, gently placing his hand on her thigh.
Her eyes were red and swollen, drained of tears. Spencer’s face transformed, filling with distress at the sight of her up close. “What’s wrong? Did something happen in therapy?” He reached out to comfort her, but she was stiff and did not move toward him.
“What the hell is wrong with me, Spencer?” She tried hard not to start crying again. “Dr. Reyes wants me to come back for another session next week. It was so strange, different from any other time before, more…real, I guess. I don’t know. The doctor said I didn’t behave the way most of her patients under hypnosis behaved.”
“What does that mean?” Spencer’s voice took on a confusing, almost defensive tone.
“I don’t know. What should have been a simple relaxation exercise turned into this horrible vision that was terrifying. I can’t explain it any better than that. It was so much more than a dream.”
“I’m not sure I understand. You’re going to go through this hypnosis thing again and what, continue to relive the nightmare? Wasn’t this supposed to just be a way to help you sleep?”
He was upset, Katie could see it, but then there was reason to be. “She just wants to get to the bottom of whatever this is and honestly, so do I. You have no idea what this feels like. I’m exhausted but afraid to sleep. It’s affecting me in ways I haven’t told anyone, not even you. I need to know what’s going on, whether it’s stress or fear of the future or whatever it is.”
“Fear of the future? Is that what has brought all this on?” Spencer pulled his hand from hers and lowered his gaze.
“You know this started long before we got engaged. This has nothing to do with you, or us.”
Spencer closed his eyes. “I just want you to be okay. I want things to be normal. We’re supposed to be planning our wedding and this thing seems to be taking over. I’m sorry, Katie. I don’t mean to sound like a jerk.”
“No, you don’t. Believe me, I want this to go away more than you know. And I’m trying. I think Dr. Reyes will help me figure all this out. Then we can get on with our lives, our future.”
“Okay. We’ll handle it together.” Spencer k
issed her. “You haven’t forgotten about Saturday, right? We’re meeting with the wedding planner.”
Katie had forgotten, but didn’t dare say as much. This was his way of diverting from the fear he felt. “Of course not.”
Her rare and peaceful sleep was disrupted by the vibration of Spencer’s cell phone, bouncing off of his nightstand. Katie glanced at her clock, blinking until it came into focus. A dull light that seeped through the curtains suggested it was early. When the clock was clearer, its amber numbers glowed 6:00. Was it a weekday? No, it was Saturday. Who in their right mind would be calling him at this time on a Saturday morning?
Spencer began mumbling into his phone, not realizing she had already been awakened. A restful sleep interrupted by the sound of Spencer’s boss calling him into work on a Saturday. Never mind that they were supposed to meet with the wedding planner. Katie lay on her side, facing away from him. She closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. The bed shifted as he sat up. His footsteps were soft and Katie knew he was trying hard not to wake her. A moment later, the sound of the running shower told her he would be going into work. She rolled over onto her back and stared at the ceiling. “Guess I’ll be meeting the wedding planner on my own.”
Katie was making coffee when Spencer walked into the kitchen.
“I thought you were asleep?” He wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I was, but I heard the shower. So, you’re going into the office?” She continued scooping the coffee into the filter.
“Looks like it. I did some research on this case and now it’s finally been scheduled to go to trial and they want me on the team. It’s kind of a big deal.”
“What does this mean? You’ve been offered an associate’s position?”
